Zhihong Gu

Alcohol use has been linked to sexual risk-taking behaviour, particularly among young people in Australia, who are also substantially represented in sexually transmissible infection (STI). While research on alcohol use and sexual risk-taking among university students in Australia exists, no studies outside recent Tertiary Students Sexual and Reproductive Health Survey (TSSHS) publications have distinguished between Australian-born and overseas-born domestic students, despite evidence that migrant populations may show different alcohol use and sexual behaviour patterns. Using data from the TSSHS and a cross-sectional anonymous online survey of university-enrolled students, this study is the first to compare sexually active Australian-born domestic, overseas-born domestic, and international students on alcohol use and sexual risk-taking. Findings align with past research, with Australian-born domestic students being more likely to consume alcohol at high-risk levels than international and overseas-born domestic students. Differences in sexual risk-taking behaviours between the three enrolment groups were fully mediated by harmful alcohol use, indicating an indirect effect between group membership and sexual risk-taking. Age moderated this mediation, with the association between harmful drinking and sexual risk-taking strongest among students aged 20–24, compared with younger and older groups.

In this article, we describe the approaches taken to recruit adult migrants living in Australia for a sexual health and blood-borne virus survey (paper and online) and present data detailing the outcomes of these approaches. The purpose was to offer guidance to redress the under-representation of migrants in public health research. Methods of recruitment included directly contacting people in individual/organizational networks, social media posts/advertising, promotion on websites, and face-to-face recruitment at public events/venues. Search query strings were used to provide information about an online referral source, and project officers kept records of activities and outcomes. Descriptive statistical analyses were used to determine respondent demographic characteristics, proportions recruited to complete the paper and online surveys, and sources of referral. Logistic regression analyses were run to predict online participation according to demographic characteristics. The total sample comprised 1454 African and Asian migrants, with 59% identifying as female. Most respondents (72%) were recruited to complete the paper version of the survey. Face-to-face invitations resulted in the highest number of completions. Facebook advertising did not recruit large numbers of respondents. Same-sex attraction and age (40–49 years) were statistically significant predictors of online completion. We encourage more researchers to build the evidence base on ways to produce research that reflects the needs and perspectives of minority populations who often bear the greatest burden of disease.

Significant health disparities persist regarding new and late Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) diagnoses among sub-Saharan African (SSA) communities in Australia. Personal/cultural beliefs and practices influence HIV (risk, prevention, testing) within Australia and during visits to home countries. A community forum was conducted involving 23 male and female adult African community workers, members and leaders, and health workers; facilitated by cultural workers and an experienced clinician/researcher. The forum comprised small/large group discussions regarding HIV risk/prevention (responses transcribed verbatim; utilising thematic analysis). Stigma, denial, social norms, tradition and culture permeated perceptions/beliefs regarding HIV testing, prevention and transmission among African Australians, particularly regarding return travel to home countries. International travel as a risk factor for HIV acquisition requires further examination, as does the role of the doctor in HIV testing and Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). Further assessment of PrEP as an appropriate/feasible intervention is needed, with careful attention regarding negative community perceptions and potential impacts.